SafeRite system

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a novel two part, computer generated, bar coded, printed R x , containing an illustrated patient checklist. More particularly, this invention relates to software and hardware that assist the prescriber to select a drug for the therapeutic treatment of a patient. The drug is then computer checked for patient suitability. A computer selected bar code—representing the drug name and strength is added to the R x . A patient checklist—including an illustration of the drug is added to the R x . The R x  is printed, and provided to the patient, or electronically sent to the pharmacy. The pharmacist places the bar coded R x , together with the bar coded drug stock container on a bar code scanner that compares both bar codes—non-matching bar codes are immediately flagged. The patient illustrated checklist accompanies the dispensed drug and is used by the patient to determine that the drug received matches the original R x .

PROVISIONAL APPLICATION STATEMENT

[0001] This applications claims the benefit of the filing date of Provisional Patent Application. No. 60/274,206 Filing Date Mar. 9, 2001 Title: SafeRite System™

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] Medical errors have recently been attributed as a leading cause of death and injury in North America. Many of these medical errors relate to prescription drug mix-ups, such as the patient receiving the wrong drug, or the wrong strength of the right drug etc. Some of these errors are attributed to physician's illegible handwriting, and others to drug selection and dispensing errors in the pharmacy. Other errors result when the drug is administered to the wrong patient in hospital

[0003] In response to the issue of sloppy handwriting by physicians some products 9, 10 are coming to market that print an R_(x). Generally speaking, these prescriptions are “written” in the physician's office and entail the use of a PDA, (or handheld computer etc.) PC, and office printer.

[0004] Although these technologies print a clearly legible R_(x) 9, 10—in either hard copy or electronically sent format—they lack design components 3 that prevent pharmacy selection errors. Nor do they provide the patient the means to determine the dispensed drug matches their prescription

[0005] The 3 Part Action Plan™

[0006] In order to prevent medication errors, the following three actions must occur:

[0007] Prevent errors that originate with the physician/writer

[0008] Prevent pharmacy dispensing errors

[0009] Involve the patient

[0010] Failure to adopt any one of these actions will result in the ongoing—and unabated—flow of medication errors.

[0011] An examination of the PDA/R_(x) products (see FIG. 11) has found all are uniform in their design approach. Each R_(x) met the criteria of part one of the 3 Part Action Plan—that is, the R_(x)'s were checked and printed in the physicians office (or sent to the pharmacy electronically)—but lacked the design features necessary to provide other stakeholders in the R_(x) loop (the pharmacist, nurse and patient) a comprehensive R_(x) safety platform. Other than providing a legible (printed) R_(x) to the pharmacist, competing products did not meet the criteria set out in Part Two or Part Three of the 3 Part Action Plan and therefore do nothing to prevent errors occurring in these areas.

[0012] *Autros is a hospital system, designed to deliver dispensed drugs to patients in the ward—but lacks the capabilities of the SafeRite System to prevent drug mix-ups in the hospital pharmacy. Therefore, Autros cannot guarantee the prescribed drug reaches the patient.

Preventable Medication Errors How and Why They Happen

[0013] In the Ambulatory Care Setting

[0014] Medication errors can be divided into two main categories and occur when:

R_(X) WRITING ERRORS The following errors occur at the time the prescription is written: Wrong Drug The selected drug is inappropriate for the patient's medical condition Strength The correct drug-but wrong strength Instructions The correct drug-but wrong dosage instructions Abbreviation The incorrect use of an abbreviation Interaction The prescribed drug will interact with (other) current R_(x)'s Contraindication Drug not compatible with patients medical condition Allergy The patient is allergic to the drug Patient's name The wrong patient name is written-sometimes the name of the previous patient Verbal Orders Orders given by telephone are a continuing source of errors Handwriting The physicians handwriting is illegible or difficult to read PHARMACY DISPENSING ERRORS The following errors occur at the time that the pharmacist fills the prescription. Handwriting Illegible-or difficult to read-handwritten prescriptions lead to many dispensing errors Verbal Orders Orders received by telephone are often misunderstood. Drug Selection The wrong drug is selected Look Alike Selection errors occur when drug names look alike Sound Alike Selection errors occur because drug names sound alike Strength The wrong drug strength is selected Instructions Incorrect patient instructions Interaction The dispensed drug will interact with (other) current R_(x)'s Contraindication Drug not compatible with patients medical condition Allergy The patient is allergic to the drug Patient Chart Various entry errors and chart mix-ups Communication The R_(x) is given out to the wrong patient DIN Number Drug DIN number is confused with look alike DIN number

[0015] In the Hospital

[0016] Hospital medication errors are divided into three main categories and occur when:

[0017] In addition to the same prescribing and dispensing errors high-lighted under Ambulatory Care, further medication errors occur in the hospital when patient identities are confused, resulting in drug mix-ups (the patient is given someone else's medication).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The SafeRite System™

[0019] The SafeRite System™ provides a state of the art, user friendly, low cost solution to the widespread problem of drug mix-ups. The System enables an error free R_(x) to progress seamlessly from the physician through the pharmacy to the patient. The System's design is unique and is the only R_(x) technology to address each of the 3 error prevention criteria outlined in the 3 Part Action Plan (competing products address 1 only). 9,10

[0020] Comparing the Efficacy of PDA Generated R_(x)'s

[0021] Refer to FIG. 12

[0022] The SafeRite System consist of two sub-systems:

[0023] 1. SafeRite™ is the hardware/software system used by the physician to ‘write’, bar code and print—or electronically transmit—the two part R_(x).

[0024] 2. SafeReader™ is the hardware/software bar code scanning system used by the pharmacist to prevent drug mix-ups in the pharmacy.

[0025] Hospital System

[0026] In addition to the benefits of SafeRite and SafeReader outlined above the hospital system includes a bedside visual display that enables the nurse to determine that the prescribed drug goes to the correct patient.

[0027] Fully Integrated

[0028] SafeRite's™ bar coded R_(x) is fully integrated with SafeReader's™ comparative scanning mechanism—resulting in a unique and highly efficient, error prevention system.

[0029] SafeRite assists the physician to quickly and accurately ‘write’ and print a prescription. By using a printed prescription format, the SafeRite System™ precludes errors associated with illegible handwriting.

[0030] SafeRite prints a bar code—representing the drug's name and strength—on the R_(x).

[0031] SafeReader's innovative design enables the pharmacist to quickly carry out a bar code comparison check of the R_(x) and drug selected from stock. This crucial step prevents pharmacy selection errors.

[0032] Finally, the Patient Checklist portion of the R_(x) encourages patient participation in the prescription loop by providing the patient an easy to follow sequenced checklist.

[0033] Safety features—incorporated into the R_(x)—are available at each crucial [decision making] juncture of the R_(x) loop.

[0034] The efficiencies provided to physicians by the SafeRite System™ will discourage giving verbal R_(x) orders by telephone.

[0035] The SafeRite™ R_(x) will conform to all federal and state/provincial requirements.

[0036] Competing R_(x) products offer a printed R_(x), but do not incorporate a bar code (pharmacy protection) or patient checklist, nor do they offer a visual check for hospital use.

[0037] The SafeRite System™ provides end users with a powerful safety technology. Benefits accruing to the end user and health care system are substantial financial paybacks resulting in the cessation of deaths and injuries to patients, together with the professional satisfaction of providing the patient a risk free (medication) environment.

DRAWINGS

[0038]FIG. 1 Illustration showing the two part SafeRite R_(x).

[0039]FIG. 2 Schematic showing sequence of SafeRite R_(x) and 3 Part Action Plan FIG. 3 Illustration showing a SafeRite generated R_(x) in which a Generic substitution takes place. The green bordered label is affixed to Box Four.

[0040]FIG. 4 Illustration of Green bordered generic label see FIG. 3

[0041]FIG. 5 Illustration of bar coded label. Label is attached to any [non-SafeRite] R_(x). For example: to the reverse side of R_(x)'s shown in FIGS. 8 and 9

[0042]FIG. 6 Schematic of SafeRite/SafeReader sequence of use in Hospital and Clinical settings.

[0043]FIG. 7 Illustrated bedside visual display for Hospital and Clinical use.

[0044]FIG. 8 Schematic showing carry case for printer and PDA

[0045]FIG. 9, 10 R_(x) samples of competitive computer generated R_(x) products.

[0046]FIG. 11 Chart showing Vendors of Hand-held Electronic Prescribing Products FIG. 12 Chart comparing efficacy of PDA generated R_(x)'s.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0047] The SafeRite System™ consist of two sub-systems:

[0048] 1. SafeRite™ is the hardware/software system used by the physician to ‘write’, bar code and print—or electronically transmit—the two part R_(x). FIG. 1, 11

[0049] 2. SafeReader™ is the hardware/software bar code scanning system used by the pharmacist to prevent drug mix-ups in the pharmacy. 12

[0050] Hospital System

[0051] In addition to the benefits of SafeRite and SafeReader outlined above, the Hospital System FIG. 6 includes a bedside visual display (BVD) 17 that enables the nurse to determine that the prescribed drug is administered to the correct patient.

The SafeRite R_(x)

[0052] Prescription Design

[0053] The design of the SafeRite™ R_(x) involved meeting the following four part criteria:

[0054] 1. Produce a computer generated (printed) R_(x) FIG. 1

[0055] 2. Build in safety features and increase content 2, 3, 4

[0056] 3. * Involve the patient in a final cross-check of the dispensed drug 4

[0057] 4. Provide a user-friendly system, requiring minimum R_(x) input

[0058] The patient's portion of the SafeRite™ prescription leads the patient through the easy to follow Patient Checklist. 4

[0059] R_(x) Features

[0060] Clear, large, easy to read printed R_(x) 2, 4

[0061] Bar coded—for pharmacy use 3

[0062] Unique two part design—includes patient checklist 2, 4

[0063] Flexible format—print and/or electronic transmission 11

[0064] Conforms to the “3 Part Action Plan” 2, 3, 4

[0065] Brand Name/Generics

[0066] To prevent generic substitution, the physician must write the appropriate state/provincial statement requirement i.e. No Substitution 5 or Dispense as Written etc. in the box provided.

[0067] Preventing Look Alike/Sound Alike Errors

[0068] A simple, effective, low cost method of preventing “look alike/sound alike” medication errors—and other selection errors—while filling the R_(x) in the pharmacy 12, is by incorporating a bar code—containing the drug's brand name and strength—into the Pharmacist's Print Out portion of the R_(x). 3 The R_(x) bar code duplicates the drug's brand name and strength, contained in the bar code appearing on the drug's stock container.

[0069] To determine the drug taken from stock matches the R_(x), the pharmacist scans the bar codes appearing on both the R_(x) and the drug's stock container 12, an incorrect selection—of the drug or drug strength—is immediately flagged:

[0070] Note: Scanning is accomplished by using a handheld scanner or a dedicated scanning unit. The unit facilitates the check by scanning both bar codes more or less simultaneously. The unit's program accepts matching codes, but rejects (flags) non-matching codes. The pharmacist rectifies an error by selecting the correct drug/stock container. Matching bar codes allow the program sequence to continue.

[0071] How Many Tablets a Day?

[0072] The R_(x) instruction—take 1 tablet daily with meals—can be thoroughly confusing to some patients. Do they take 1 tablet each day OR 1 tablet with each meal? To remedy this common misunderstanding, an information block is added to the bottom of the Patient's Checklist.

[0073] For example, the R_(x) for Zoloft—take 1 capsule daily with meals—would read: 7

[0074] The R_(x) for Flagyl—take 2 tablets 3 times a day with meals—would read:

[0075] While the R_(x) for Tylenol 3—take 1 to 2 tablets 4 times a day as needed—would show the daily maximum allowable dosage:

System Requirements

[0076] Physician's Office (Part One) SafeRite™¹¹

[0077] Hardware

[0078] PDA—MODEM—CRADLE

[0079] PC

[0080] PRINTER

[0081] Note: PDA can mean any type of computer. The prescriber can also use the office PC to “write” the R_(x).

[0082] The PDA communicates with the PC and printer by wireless transmission (or infrared).

[0083] Software

[0084] Prescription software for PDA and PC

[0085] PDA/PC interface software

[0086] Sequence of Use

[0087] The physician calls up the patient's name/file, from the office PC, on their PDA. 11

[0088] Using their PDA the physician enters the reason for treatment—ie depression 10—and is given a menu of appropriate drugs, then electronically “writes” the prescription by selecting drug, dosage, quantity, and patient instructions 2

[0089] The program checks that the selected drug is correct for the patient's medical condition, contraindications, for drug interactions with other current prescriptions and for correct patient instructions. Allergies are flagged

[0090] Check patients health plan formulary for drug approval

[0091] A bar code representing the drug brand name and strength is transferred to the R_(x) 3

[0092] The physician then reviews R_(x), prints and signs (if sending by computer fax etc—the signature is computer generated)

[0093] To print: the PDA communicates wirelessly with the printer 11, 12

[0094] To send to the pharmacy: the PDA sends the R_(x) to the PC. The PC electronically sends the R_(x) directly to the pharmacy via the Internet over a secured line. (Electronic R_(x) transmissions are permitted in most states, and will be soon allowed in Canada.)

[0095] By using their PDA with WAN (wireless wide area network) capability, the physician is able to transmit, or fax an R_(x) to a pharmacy from remote locations

[0096] The transmitted data is encrypted, complying with patient confidentiality issues

[0097] To facilitate refills: the physician uses their PDA to call up the patients' file

[0098] Highlights

[0099] Access to patient's file

[0100] Printed R_(x)—prevents pharmacy errors caused by poor handwriting. Eliminates time consuming calls from pharmacists. Some physicians report saving 1-2 hours daily when using similar products

[0101] Undertakes complete check of the R_(x) data

[0102] Flags allergies

[0103] Checks health plan formulary for drug authorization

[0104] Choice of R_(x) format—printed in the physician's office and/or electronically sent to the pharmacy

[0105] The R_(x) data is transferred to the patient file on office PC

[0106] Speeds up the refill process. R_(x) data from patient file instantly available on PDA

[0107] Prevents patient morbidity and mortality events

[0108] Reduces the chance of lawsuits

[0109] Reduces malpractice insurance premiums

[0110] Drug safety notices etc, flagged on the physicians office computer, are transferred to the SafeRite System—continually upgrading the System's software

[0111] Conforms to the 1st part of the “3 Part Action Plan” 2

[0112] In the Pharmacy (Part Two) SafeReader™

[0113] Hardware

[0114] SafeReader™ (combination bar code reader/printer) 12 provides an automated bar code comparison scan of the R_(x 3) and drug's stock container. Prints Box four illustrated generic data 14

[0115] SafeReader™ an indispensable pharmacy tool, which guarantees the drug taken from stock matches the R_(x 3) in both selection and strength 12

[0116] Software

[0117] Compares R_(x) bar code 3 with bar code displayed on drug stock container 12

[0118] Accepts generic substitutes to brand name drugs

[0119] Transfers—Brand Name or Generic—scanned stock container's bar code to pharmacy working copy and patient R_(x) file

[0120] Sequence of Use

[0121] Brand Name drug selection: To determine the drug taken from stock matches the R_(x), the pharmacist places both the R_(x) and the drug stock container on the SafeReader™ unit 12

[0122] SafeReader™ quickly performs a dual bar code scan—comparing drug name(s) and strength(s). Non matching data is immediately flagged 12

[0123] SafeReader™ prints a validation (check) mark on the R_(x). 9. The pharmacist subsequently places his/her initials in the box provided 8

[0124] SafeReader™ then transfers the drug's bar code to the pharmacy working copy and patient R_(x) file

[0125] The Brand Name drug's bar code acts as a master bar code, and matches all generic substitute bar codes 3

[0126] Generic drug selection: the generics' stock container is placed on SafeReader™ 12 and the generic container's bar code is scanned against the R_(x)'s 3 bar code. SafeReader™ then transfers that [specific] generic drug's bar code* to the pharmacy working copy and patient's R_(x) file. SafeReader prints a new Box Four information—containing the generic drug's data and illustration—onto an adhesive sticker, 15 which the pharmacist places over the original Box Four 6,14 (containing Brand Name drug data) on the Patient Checklist.

[0127] On refills, the drug's [specific] bar code—from the patients' R_(x) file—is transferred to the pharmacy working copy

[0128] The bar coded working copy is placed on SafeReader™ 12—in the same manner as the original R_(x) 3—and scanned against the drug's stock container—preventing refill mix-ups

[0129] At the time the generics' bar code is transferred to the pharmacy working copy and patient R_(x) file, the Brand Name's bar code data—imprinted on the R_(x)—is automatically invalidated by SafeReader, thereby, isolating the generics' [specific] bar code for future scanning checks. Likewise, when a Brand Name drug is to be filled—and its bar code data transferred from the R_(x) to the pharmacy working copy and patient R_(x) File—the allowable generic substitution information—contained in the Brand Name's master bar code—is invalidated by SafeReader. Therefore, only SafeReader, assuring correct drug selection recognizes the bar code belonging to the Brand Name drug.

[0130] Additional R_(x) Bar Code(s)

[0131] Another bar code—containing patient ID etc. is added to the R_(x)—when scanned by SafeReader, this bar code opens up the (pharmacy) patient R_(x) file, preventing patient chart mix-ups and R_(x)/patient entry errors. This feature will facilitate further [scanned] safety checks. Other bar codes are added as necessary.

[0132] Generic Equivalent—Attachment

[0133] SafeReader™ II—an Intermediate Solution

[0134] SafeReader™ II's software program, in essence, is the drug selection/bar coding portion of the physicians SafeRite™ software program. SafeReader™ II equips the pharmacist with a powerful safety tool. SafeReader™ II's program converts any R_(x) to a SafeRite™ [bar coded] type R_(x). To accomplish this, the pharmacist enters the R_(x) drug name and strength into the pharmacy computer—the [SafeRite II] program converts this data to a bar code, which is printed together with drug name and strength, on an adhesive sticker 16, and affixed to the R_(x) The bar coded R_(x) [attachment] and drug stock container are subsequently scanned by SafeReader™ 12 to assure correct drug and strength selection. The program then prints an abbreviated, illustrated Patient Checklist which accompanies the dispensed drug. 4

[0135] On the other hand, pharmacists who receive a SafeRite™ R_(x) 2, in a non SafeReader™ pharmacy, will benefit from SafeRite's™ printed R_(x) and Patient Check-List. 4

[0136] Printing Options

[0137] The primary function of SafeReader™ is to provide a comparative bar code scan of the bar codes appearing on the R_(x 3) and drug stock container. Printing is accomplished by incorporating a printer together with the bar code scanning mechanism into a single, stand-alone unit, or the printer is connected to the SafeReader unit. The printer is calibrated to print a generic attachment 14 that affixes to Box Four of the Patient Check-List. Alternatively SafeReader™ functions solely as a bar code scanner, and the pharmacy printer undertakes printing the Box Four generic attachment. 14

[0138] The pharmacist separates the two parts of the R_(x). 2, 4. The Patient Checklist 4 is attached to the dispensed drug vial etc.

[0139] The pharmacist, together with the patient, goes through the patient Checklist. 4

[0140] Highlights

[0141] Easy to read, printed R_(x)—prevents errors caused by poor handwriting—eliminates the need to call physician for clarification 2

[0142] Eliminates the need to call physician regarding missing R_(x) data: (ie quantity) 2

[0143] An infallible method of preventing drug selection errors 3

[0144] Patient diagnosis 10 prominently displayed on R_(x)—enables pharmacist to determine that the prescribed drug matches the patient's medical condition. (The MD may omit this information)

[0145] Facilitates refills—scans [bar-coded] working copy with [bar coded] stock container.

[0146] Prevents refill drug mix-ups

[0147] Prevents patient morbidity and mortality events

[0148] Reduces the chance of lawsuits

[0149] Reduce malpractice premiums

[0150] Conforms to the 2^(nd) part of the “3 Part Action Plan” 3

[0151] The Patient (Part Three)

[0152] The patient is the ultimate beneficiary of the SafeRite System. Each feature of the Systems' technology is designed to prevent patient injury and death caused by medication errors. In doing so, the System confers many benefits to the other stakeholders in the R_(x) loop: namely the physician 2, pharmacist 3, and nurse. 17

[0153] Hard Copy

[0154] Patient Print-Out portion of the R_(x) (Patient Checklist) 4

[0155] The Patient's Checklist accompanies the dispensed R_(x)

[0156] Sequence of Use

[0157] On receiving the dispensed drug, the patient—together with the pharmacist—follows the Checklist to compare the Patient Checklist data with the information printed on the prescription vial/container. 4

[0158] Finally, the patient and pharmacist visually check that the dispensed medication matches the drug illustration in Box Four of the Checklist 6. In many cases the illustration is life-size.

[0159] This third and last step of the 3 Part Action Plan—which takes only a few moments—is critical to the success of the error prevention program, and at the same time, conforms to [pharmacy] professional patient counseling requirements.

[0160] Highlights

[0161] Patient receives correct drug

[0162] The System accesses pharmaceutical companies offering no cost/low cost drugs to patients encountering financial hardship.

[0163] The patient is involved in a crucial step of the R_(x) loop

[0164] Is guided through the checklist sequence 4

[0165] Conforms to and completes all actions in the “3 Part Action Plan” 4

[0166] Reduces patient morbidity and mortality events.

[0167] In the Hospital

[0168] Hardware:

[0169] PDA

[0170] Printer

[0171] SafeReader™

[0172] Bedside Visual Display Kit 17

[0173] The hospital system requirements are much the same as those for the physician and pharmacy.

[0174] Sequence of Use 16

[0175] Doctor makes rounds, then using SafeRite™

[0176] Selects and prints R_(x) The R_(x) is either printed at the patient's bedside by using a handheld printer, or at the nurse's station (Drs. Desk)

[0177] Copy of Patient Checklist (hospital version) placed in Bedside Visual Display 17 (BVD)*

[0178] 2^(nd) copy of R_(x) and Patient Checklist placed in Patient Drug File (PDF) at nurses' station.*

[0179] The doctor transmits the R_(x) to the hospital pharmacy by fax, LAN or WAN—or submits a printed copy

[0180] R_(x) data subsequently downloaded to patient's file on physician's office PC

[0181] Highlights

[0182] In addition to:

[0183] Physician Highlights

[0184] Pharmacy Highlights

[0185] Patient Highlights

[0186] Additional Hospital Highlights:

[0187] Writing and printing the R_(x) at the patients bedside

[0188] Patient Drug File (PDF). Enables check of R_(x) received at Nursing Station

[0189] Bedside Visual Display 17 (BVD). Provides nurse with illustrated R_(x) information

[0190] Infallible and inexpensive method of administering the right drug to the right patient

[0191] In the Hospital Pharmacy

[0192] The pharmacist scans the R_(x) and drug stock container 12—assuring correct drug and strength selection, prints generic sticker 14—when necessary—and includes them with the patients drug. (Alternatively, a copy of the Patient Checklist accompanies the R_(x), in which case, the pharmacist attaches the generic sticker 14 to Box Four of the Checklist, in the usual fashion (and an extra one for the PDF). The nurse peels off one of the stickers, attaches it to the PDF, then either exchanges the Patient Checklist for the one in the BVD 17, or peels off the remaining Box Four sticker, and attaches to the BVD 17 copy.) The hospital pharmacist may elect to convert a non SafeRite R_(x) to a bar coded R_(x) 16.

[0193] Nursing Station

[0194] Dispensed drug received at nursing station

[0195] If generic 14—Box Four sticker attached to PDF

[0196] Drug checked against PDF WARD

[0197] When administering the R_(x) to the patient in the ward, the nurse checks that the dispensed drug matches the [illustrated] R_(x) data included in the Patients Checklist, displayed in the BVD 17

[0198] Note: By following the unique and inexpensive BVD 17 drug administering protocol—which takes only a few moments—the nurse is assured that the right drug is given out to the right patient, and that the drug and drug strength complies with the written R_(x) order.

[0199] Patient data, such as condition/illness etc., is contained on the reverse side of the patients' nametag 17. Tags slip out easily for fast reference. In order to accommodate additional R_(x)'s, additional display cards are hung beneath the original card 17. One card will contain recent medication history.

[0200] Routing information: ie Fl.5 Rm.123 Bd. C—is displayed on the Patient Checklist portion of the R_(x), and accompanies the prescribed drug(s). The physician adds routing data at the time the R_(x) is written [on the PDA].

[0201] Option: The R_(x)/Checklist is folded back to back and placed in the clear plastic pouch of the BVD 17. Only the illustrated Checklist portion remains visible 17. To read the R_(x), the doctor/nurse checks the reverse side of the BVD display card.

[0202] In order to facilitate writing the prescription at the patients' bedside, a custom designed case 18 will carry the PDA and printing unit, allowing hands free operation. 

What is claimed is:
 1. Prescription form generated in multiple parts A One part of the prescription form is printed and contains a bar code representing the name of the prescribed drug and it's strength. B. Another part of the prescription form contains pertinent information relating to the prescribed drug. C. The prescription form contains an illustration of the prescribed drug. D. The prescription form sent by electronic transmission. E. A prescription form that is dividable.
 2. A Prescription form as claimed in claim 1 is used as a checklist.
 3. A bar code scanning means
 4. A bar code scanning means as claimed in claim 3 that compares the bar coded prescription form as claimed in claim 1 with the bar code appearing on the prescribed drugs stock bottle.
 5. A software program that converts a brand name drug to an illustrated generic format.
 6. An illustrated gummed label to be affixed to a checklist as claimed in claim 1 containing a description of the generic drug as claimed in claim
 5. 7. A software program that bar codes and prints a label to be affixed to any prescription
 8. An illustrated checklist for use as a bedside display containing the patient identifying photograph. 